Rob's not the only soccer royalty in the family as Morrissey's links to heroes of the 1920s revealed

Cormac Murphy
– 02 March 2013 03:30 PM

ROBBIE Keane isn't the only famous Irish soccer player who is related to former Smiths frontman Morrissey.

The singer's grandfather, Patrick Morrissey, was a first cousin of brothers Jack and Pat Kelly – big stars in the last century.

The discovery was made by Jack Kelly's grandson, Maurice Kelly, a family tree enthusiast.

On a visit to see Keane play with LA Galaxy this week, Morrissey revealed that Robbie's grandfather was a cousin to his father.

Morrissey watched as the Major League Soccer champions beat Mexican side Club Tijuana 6-2 in a friendly. The singer then visited the dressing room for a chat and a photograph with Keane.

"My granddad, Jack Kelly starred for Ireland's top side of the early 1920s – St James's Gate – and scored the winning goal in the first ever FAI Cup final against Shamrock Rovers in 1922," Maurice Kelly revealed.

"He was the League of Ireland's top scorer in the same season, when the 'Gate' also won the league, completing the first league and cup double."

Maurice also revealed another surprising twist to the tale. "Morrissey's great great grandfather signed his name Peter Morris, not Morrissey, on his marriage certificate in 1872.

"Somewhere, somebody added the bit on the end, inadvertently creating one of the iconic names in pop history."

Maurice is hoping some of his distant relatives will see this article and contact him. His email address is mauricegkelly@eircom.net.